How do Seniors define “Quality of Life?”

A recent Forbes magazine article highlighted a subjective difference regarding “quality of life” for people at various stages of life. They explain, “given the ambiguity surrounding the oft-used phrase and its meaning, it follows that there’s often confusion regarding how best to support quality of life for elderly people.”

To help sort through what quality of life for seniors may mean, Pew Research surveyed a range of people in 2009 to find out their views on aging and quality of life. To start with, they found a big difference in the way younger and older people perceived their past years and future years. The report found 76 percent of U.S. residents aged 75 years and older said while they were presently satisfied with their lives, only 19 percent believe their lives will improve over the next decade. They additionally said the last ten years had been better than the present. Conversely 71 percent of adults 50 years old and younger felt the next ten years will be even better. 

Researchers say while different perspectives were offered by younger respondents and the older group, the majority of participants, regardless of age, said the ability to communicate with others is extremely important to quality of life. Other important takeaways from the survey were older people want to be heard, to connect with others, and to be able to continue their much-loved activities and hobbies. They also voiced a desire to feel useful and to be needed.  

MorningStar of Arvada offers 112 bright independent and assisted living suites to area seniors along with another 29 secure memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Every aspect of our memory care is designed to provide the environment for our most tender residents including meaningful daily activities. We encourage you to visit our website for further information regarding independent and assisted living as well as the best memory care Arvada CO offers.    

What is Dementia?

Many of us, especially seniors, have heard or known someone with Alzheimer’s disease and have an idea of the devastation it causes. While there are other types of diseases categorized as dementia, Alzheimer’s is by far the most common form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. You should know dementia is not actually a specific disease but refers to a decline in a person’s mental ability to such a degree it interferes with their daily life.    

It is also important to understand dementia is not a normal condition of aging but rather caused by damage to brain cells that affect a person’s memory, reasoning and other cognitive skills including an ability to communicate. There are several types of clinical dementia including: Alzheimer’s disease; vascular dementia; dementia with Lewy Body; and frontotemporal dementia. Mixed dementia is the term used when a person has both Alzheimer’s and another form of dementia, which is causing their mental decline. 

The Alzheimer’s Association says the “most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first.” As the disease progresses, the person is robbed of many other abilities such as speaking, swallowing and walking. 

To help get the proper diagnosis and rule out other causes that may be treatable such as side effects from a medication, it is important to see your doctor. If warranted, they may have you see a specialist that can do further testing.      

MorningStar of Arvada offers choices for seniors interested in independent living or assisted living with 112 bright suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition we are pleased to provide 29 memory care suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We invite you to visit our website for contact information and to learn about the area’s finest independent living and assisted living as well as trusted memory care in Arvada, CO. Ask about our New Year Specials for assisted living and memory care residents.    

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s

Alzheimer’s Patients Do Better Staying Engaged

Researchers say despite declining cognitive abilities, studies show Alzheimer’s patients do better when encouraged to participate in meaningful activities as it gives them a sense of purpose and self-worth. The Nation Institute of Health (NIH) reports, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” One study’s author explains the act of staying engaged can help dementia patients maintain quality of life even in advanced stages of the disease. 

Just as it is important for older people to stay engaged and active, it is also important for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to be involved in healthy daily activities. Dementia care specialists say structure and routine helps individuals “maintain their cognitive function, sense of security, and can calm anxious or aggressive behaviors.” Especially in the early stages of the disease, these types of activities give a person a sense of control over their day. Toward the latter stages of the disease, purposeful activities can be one of the few remaining ways to engage in memories and communicate.  

Studies show the creative arts are an effective way to stimulate the five senses. Singing has been shown to not only be enjoyable to those with dementia, but often is one of the last abilities they lose. A person may remember the words to a song long after other memories disappear. Dancing to or listening to popular music from their youth is another activity shown to stimulate the person’s senses and increase self-awareness, while reducing anxiety and depression. Painting or drawing can do the same for others. Experts say don’t forget the value of exercise. A short walk outside can lift spirits but make sure the person is steady on their feet as Alzheimer’s can affect gait and balance.

MorningStar of Arvada offers unrivalled independent living and assisted living designed to provide carefree retirement years. We additionally offer holistic memory care that incorporates music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides the area’s most trusted memory care in Arvada, CO.

Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia

Keeping Those with Dementia Active Shows Beneficial Effects

It is important for family members and caregivers to remember that while a person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease may be declining cognitively, they still have some abilities. Encouraging them to stay involved in meaningful activities is a good way to give them a sense of self-worth and purpose.  In fact, a published report from the National Institute of Health states, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” It goes on to say it is important for those with dementia to stay as active and engaged as possible and that “it may even help to maintain quality of life in the more advanced stages of the disease.”  

As to what kinds of activities are the most effective, studies suggest trying to stimulate all five senses: sight, touch, sound, taste and smell; and the creative arts are a good place to start.  Singing is not only enjoyable but several studies have shown it to be one of the last abilities many of those with Alzheimer’s lose.  People can often remember the words to a song long after many other memories are gone.  Listening to music and dancing are other activities beneficial to those with dementia.  Dancing has even been shown to help stimulate social interaction, enhance mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase self-awareness and self-expression.  Walking and getting outside can also lift spirits, but as gait can be adversely affected by Alzheimer’s, evaluate the person’s ability to walk safely.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton, our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  

Ours is a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love made possible by a team that understands how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other senior living communities simply cannot match.  Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

At MorningStar of Beaverton, our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Is Your Elderly Parent Having Difficulty Taking Care of Themselves?

Has your elderly parent spent a lot more time alone during COVID-19 and now appear to be having difficulty taking care of themselves or managing their home as they once did? For many families, the last 2 years have underscored the fact that their elderly loved one is not getting on as well as they did before the pandemic; and may need additional help with the activities of daily living.   

We know the decision to move a family member into a senior living community is a big one. Seniors can be resistant to moving, and many hate the idea of leaving their home and everything familiar to them. However, it is important to consider whether your parent’s current living situation is meeting their overall physical and safety needs; and if it isn't, it is time to start the conversation about the need for change.  

One important thing to look for is if your loved one has had one or more falls over the last several months. The CDC reports every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. Each year, about 3 million seniors are treated at an emergency room for injuries suffered in a fall. In addition, does their home have stairs they must use, or do they have a problem getting up from a chair or out of bed. Also, take a good look at mom or dad’s appearance. Are they looking disheveled or is the house looking neglected?    

If mom or dad does need help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) and would benefit from more socialization, MorningStar of Beaverton is a trusted senior community.  Our home offers 66 private suites available in a range of configurations and floorplans; and residents receive 24-hour Care Managers, access to full-time licensed nurses, medication management, care plan reviews and other services. Amenities include a bistro; art studio; spa bath; fitness room; massage room; salon; general store; theatre; and more. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia individualized memory care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Beaverton represents the very best in assisted living and memory care.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   Contact us to see what sets us apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

Caregiving Jobs with Competitive Wages and Benefits

MorningStar Senior Living’s four Phoenix communities are currently recruiting individuals with big hearts to fill a variety of roles within our homes. Communities include MorningStar at Arcadia in Phoenix, MorningStar of Fountain Hills in Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead in Glendale, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria. Each home has proudly earned a reputation for excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve.

Achieving this sterling reputation requires a team of individuals who understand it is only when fully engaged in sharing our many gifts and talents, time and energy with others, that we find deep and lasting satisfaction. However if you worry you may not be up to one of our caregiving jobs, we want to reassure you we have you covered. Right from day one, new employees are introduced to the precepts of Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. Radiance is used to guide the way we deliver service, with sincerity, warmth and depth; and reiterated and strengthened every day in our daily Huddle. New hires are also quick to recognize MorningStar’s resident-heroes are actually the best teachers as they show us how to live our lives and appreciate what is truly important.

Openings in our Phoenix communities include a range of positions with a range of skill sets such as care managers, med managers, food servers, concierges, activity coordinators and others. All team members receive comprehensive benefits and competitive wages. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance; paid sick and holidays, bonus or incentive opportunities (dependent on positions, promotions in place, performance) and much more. 

As the MorningStar Senior Living Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger explains:

“What do seniors essentially want? What do we all want? To be valued at our core;

to be seen as significant; to be looked squarely in the eyes and loved.” 

By joining our team, you will make a difference in your life and the lives of our residents. Please visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to rewarding caregiver jobs in Phoenix and help us elevate and celebrate seniors. For convenience, we offer an online application.

Food Trends for 2022

Have you heard of carbon emission labeling? Experts say the trend is increasing globally and is a movement intended to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture. While some of the new products out on the market may seem strange or distasteful, experts say many of them will likely be the foods of the future.

Companies claiming to be carbon neutral (also referred to as “net zero” means emissions are generated but offset by the same amount elsewhere) are now selling products such as milk and eggs in mainstream grocery stores. Other foods in the category of strange include more than a 100 companies around the world experimenting and selling cell-cultured or lab-grown meat without an animal. Cultured meat was first sold in Singapore but as the U.S. Food and Drug has cleared regulatory restrictions, consumers in our country can expect to see it on grocery shelves in 2022.  

Currently several American companies are producing lab-grown, bean-free coffee and cacao bean-free chocolate. Another source of protein used for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives we will see more of comes from the sea. Microalgae protein include sea plants like zoster marina, which is a seagrass known as the rice of the sea and is on its way to becoming another new “superfood.” 

Non-dairy milk options are growing and now include a wide variety of nuts as well as grains, hemp, flax and quinoa. Plant-based cheeses taste better than ever and are made from nuts such as almonds and cashews, soy or coconut-based vegan options. Other offerings we will see more of on grocery shelves include foods enriched with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, or mushroom powders.

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an array of amenities, wellness programs, and concierge and care services. Our senior living options include assisted living and independent living for carefree retirement years. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we provide individualized, compassionate memory care. Please visit our website to learn more about our home and our philosophy regarding caring for seniors. Also be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

Source: 

health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/slideshows/top-food-trends-for-2022

Are You at Risk for Shingles?

We have all heard about shingles but many of us are confused as to whether it is contagious and what are the chances we will get it. Experts explain shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Moreover if you had chickenpox as a child, you are at risk for getting shingles sometime in your life. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports one in three people develop shingles during their lifetime. While this means many will never get shingles, some people get it more than once and others can develop flare-ups periodically throughout their lives. Dr. Michael Urban, a senior lecturer and director of the doctorate of occupational therapy program at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, explains flair-ups can be a full range of symptoms or barely noticeable. 

Statistics show in recent years younger people are getting shingles but typically the disease occurs in those over 50 years of age and the risk increases the older we get or with various health conditions. People undergoing cancer treatment as well as being ill or under a lot of stress are all at a higher risk for shingles. 

Symptoms vary and include feeling like you may have the flu, and/or a red, itchy, painful rash or fluid-filled blisters. Before the rash appears, you may feel an uncomfortable sensation, numbness or tingling, and may be the only symptoms you ever experience. Experts say shingles are not contagious but you can give someone the chickenpox if they have never had it; but only if they come in direct contact with the fluid in the blisters such as through a wash cloth or bed sheet. To ensure your safety, talk to your doctor about getting a shingles vaccine if you are over the age of 50 or suffer from chronic diseases like renal failure, COPD and diabetes among others.

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community is a true home where residents can comfortably age in place. We have 65 suites for assisted living and 35 secure suites devoted to the care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. For active seniors looking for a carefree lifestyle, we offer 38 Casitas tucked into their own private neighborhood. Please contact us to learn more about our concierge services as well as availability and pricing. Be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

Welcome to Your New “Home”

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company that was founded on the mission to: honor God, value all seniors and invest in staff. Our community is set in a warm, loving environment and features exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Together with dedicated team members and our residents and their family members, we strive to create a “true home” with a sense of belonging and family to the wellbeing of all. 

Holding true to our mission of servant leadership, our staff is the kind of people who understand it is a privilege to serve; and treat residents like they do their own moms and dads. In fact serving seniors has given us a profound respect for the many challenges and triumphs they have experienced throughout their lifetime; and is why we consider seniors to be true heroes.  

On almost nine acres, the MorningStar at Golden Ridge community is meticulously designed and supported by an extraordinary hospitality and care team who feel called to serve seniors. We offer several options for senior living starting with 38 independent living Casitas tucked into their own private neighborhood and intended for active seniors. These lovely homes provide the comfort of predictable budgeting as virtually all your living expenses (including homeowner’s insurance and property tax) are controlled through our bundled Monthly Rental Fee. 

Inside our main building, we offer 65 suites for assisted living with options including two-bedroom, one-bath floor plans equipped with kitchenettes with quartz surfaces, stainless full-size fridges and breakfast bars. All bathrooms are handicap-accessible (some suites fully wheelchair accessible) and 24-hour emergency call systems as well as private heating & air conditioning. For seniors needing memory care, we offer 35 secure suites for individualized, specialized care. 

Please visit MorningStar at Golden Ridge for more information about our community as well as pricing and availability. We look forward to hearing from you. In addition, ask about our Move-in Specials.